Best Campgrounds near Santee, CA

Join the fun near Santee. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Santee, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Santee, California (173)

    1. Lake Jennings

    32 Reviews
    Lakeside, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 390-1623

    $35 - $140 / night

    "This location is a hidden gem in the outskirts of the city."

    "We had scoped this out as a wintering location for my snowbird dad, and I always remembered how powerfully silence of that hillside had impacted me... finally camped there- it was lovely!"

    2. Dos Picos County Park

    33 Reviews
    Poway, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 789-2220

    $24 - $100 / night

    "The creek eventually flows into a pond located on the other end of the campground. The pond is actually pretty large! Lots of space to walk around and explore."

    "The missus and I decided to do a midweek overnight escape and chose Dos Picos Park due to its close proximity.

    Great little campground with partial (electricity & water) hookups."

    3. Kumeyaay Lake Campground

    19 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 668-2748

    $24 - $25 / night

    "Nice trails nearby and within the campground. The city of Santee was only 10 minutes away with plenty of stores and restaurants."

    "Campground was close to freeway exit and nearby local neighborhoods. Despite that, it still felt quiet and comfortable. Sites were clean snd a good size. Bathrooms were nice and clean."

    4. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    31 Reviews
    Bonita, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 472-7572

    $34 - $38 / night

    "I’m not sure you’ll find a campground like this anywhere else in California for $29/night with partial hookups. It was quiet and peaceful. Bathrooms could have used some attention."

    "The campground also has some nice amenities: good trail system, a splash pad (open in spring and summer months), a playground, some areas to have a group picnic, even a large event room."

    5. Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

    15 Reviews
    Santee, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (619) 596-3141

    "Being a native San Diegan The east county location allows for easy access to San Diego sites from two freeways."

    "Kids loved the convenient fishing right behind our trailer and the swimming pools a short drive away. Also was able to rent paddle boats to cruise around the lakes."

    6. San Diego Metro KOA

    31 Reviews
    Bonita, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 427-3601

    ".

    + The gate makes it feel more safe as it's right next to a path by a river, which seemed sketchy at times.

    + During the week it felt spacious.

    + We worked remotely from here and picked up a good"

    "Walking distance to stores if something is needed."

    7. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

    77 Reviews
    Carlsbad, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 438-3143

    $50 - $650 / night

    "If you’re headed to San Diego, be sure to stop and check out Carlsbad just off of the 5. this awesome beach town is quintessential Southern California beach awesomeness and it is absolutely gorgeous."

    "One of best beach campgrounds in California. Beach is right there next to camping. Restroom and shower are clean even though too many people there"

    8. Campland on the Bay

    20 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (858) 581-4205

    $60 / night

    "It sits next to the bay, which is calmer and the beach. I've seen people jet ski, sail, paddle boat, play beach volleyball, and swim, and there are even bonfire pits on the beach!"

    "We had 4 campsites all next to each other. The camp hosts were all very nice, they drove around quite a bit making sure all was good. For how many sites they have it didn’t seem too crowded."

    9. San Elijo State Beach Campground

    37 Reviews
    Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 753-5091

    $50 - $520 / night

    "If you wanna go on a surfside southern california adventure and keep it fun and cheap then this place is great."

    "It's classic California beach camping. Spots are fairly close together, and it's more like a parking lot than a campground. That said, the beach is great, and the river mouth is great for surfing."

    10. Silver Strand State Beach

    22 Reviews
    Coronado, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 435-5184

    $65 - $85 / night

    "Great choice for camping along the ocean in Southern California."

    "Can’t beat the proximity to the beach! Spots next to the road are loud and the campground is busy with small parking lot style areas, but if you can get a spot backing on to the beach, A+."

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Showing results 1-10 of 173 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Santee, CA

1164 Reviews of 173 Santee Campgrounds



Guide to Santee

Camping near Santee, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, provide direct access to the beach. One camper mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean. Beach access. Lots of sites."
  • Biking and Running: The area has great bike lanes and running paths. A reviewer noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
  • Fishing: Campgrounds like Lake Hemet Campground are perfect for fishing enthusiasts. One visitor shared, "The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. A review for William Heise County Park stated, "The park was clean and well-maintained, and the staff was friendly and helpful. We were pleasantly surprised by the beautiful scenery."
  • Privacy: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites with good separation. A camper at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach said, "There are mature trees between every campsite that provide privacy between sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff. One visitor at Lake Jennings mentioned, "The ladies at the front are always so incredibly sweet!"

What you should know

  • Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at San Clemente State Beach Campground noted, "It is loud, even if it isn't because your neighbors are on top of you."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, "No free showers, half of the showers aren’t operating."
  • Noise Levels: Some areas can be noisy due to nearby roads or trains. A visitor at San Mateo Campground shared, "You can hear activity from Camp Pendleton."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities like playgrounds and clean facilities. One camper at Lake Jennings said, "Bathrooms, playground, hikes, 360 views."
  • Plan Activities: Bring bikes or plan for beach days. A reviewer at San Elijo State Beach Campground mentioned, "Amazing site in a little town with all you need for a weekend getaway."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make outings easier. A camper at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground enjoyed the "great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Lake Hemet Campground noted, "You can fit two 10' x10' canopies to cover the bench table."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some RV spots can be tight. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground said, "The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Having extra water and food can be helpful. A reviewer at San Diego Metro KOA mentioned, "They loan you fire pits if you don’t have one."

Camping around Santee, CA, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Santee, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Santee, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 173 campgrounds and RV parks near Santee, CA and 13 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Santee, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Santee, CA is Lake Jennings with a 4.7-star rating from 32 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Santee, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Santee, CA.

What parks are near Santee, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Santee, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.